How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

There's no single answer that fits every dog — coat type, activity level, and skin sensitivity all play a role. But most dogs do best on a regular schedule rather than waiting until grooming feels urgent.

A general starting point

• Short-haired, single-coated breeds (Beagles, Boxers, many mixed breeds): every 6–8 weeks
• Double-coated breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers): every 8–12 weeks, with deshedding in between to manage the undercoat
• Curly and wiry coats that don't shed (Poodles, Bichon Frises, Doodles): every 4–6 weeks — these coats mat quickly without regular trims
• Long, silky coats (Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese): every 4–6 weeks, plus brushing at home between visits

Puppies are the exception — most groomers recommend a gentle first visit around 10–12 weeks (after their initial vaccinations), mainly to get them comfortable with the experience rather than for a full haircut.

Signs it's time, regardless of the calendar

• You can feel tangles or mats when you run your fingers through the coat
• There's a noticeable "doggy" odor even a few days after a bath at home
• Nails click loudly on hard floors
• Your dog is scratching or licking more than usual — sometimes a sign the coat or skin needs attention

If it's been a while and you're not sure where your dog's coat stands, a Bath & Tidy is a low-commitment way to get a professional opinion — the groomer can tell you on the spot whether a Full Groom or a dematting treatment makes more sense next time.